Litter mass loss, percent carbon and percent nitrogen in a three year decomposition experiment in moist acidic tundra under ambient or increased soil nutrients for three different experimental durations in northern Alaska, 2010-2013

We conducted a decomposition study in three fertilization experiments in moist acidic tussock (MAT) tundra near Toolik Lake, Alaska that differed in duration. This study was designed to better understand the trajectory of decomposition over time when soil nutrients are increased. Results will help us make better predictions about changes in element cycling associated with warming in the Arctic. We decomposed leaves from three plant species: Betula nana, Eriophorum vaginatum, and Rubus chamaemorus over a three year time period in both control (CT) and fertilized (NP) plots that had begun in 1989, 1996, or 2006. We had four collection dates to examine decomposition after 9 months (over winter), 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years. At each date remaining litter mass, percent (%) carbon and % nitrogen were determined.